Hello and welcome to the site.
I hope you find what your looking for and then let the spending begin
I hope you find what your looking for and then let the spending begin
Welcome. 
You are lucky that you can fit! I've got two mates who are 6'4. One is ok in the passenger seat, even though he's 20st+ and his head touches the roof lining; the other can't get his knees under the dash, even with the seat all the way back.
Would strongly recommend M Sports seats. Again, people are different shapes and sizes, so they won't make a massive difference for everybody, but they definitely do look better and because you're tall the extendable bases will support your legs and stop your lower back getting wrecked on long journeys (even I find this and I'm a shortarse). Speaks volumes that people with £4k cars are still paying £800 for them and then giving away their standard seats for free.
The 2.5si has quite a bit less torque than the 3.0i, but I agree that they're pretty similar in real world performance and mid-miler 2.5si is a decent option for ~£6k. Out of the whole range the 2.5si is probably the one you can "rag" the most and stay safe/legal while having fun. The M is definitely not the same and the 3.0si is nearly a second quicker to 60 than the 2.5si, even though it's hard to tell when you drive them back-to-back. Wouldn't discount a 3.0si high miler though - especially if it's a forum car. E.g. something like this, maybe with a few more on the clock: http://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=92396
You are lucky that you can fit! I've got two mates who are 6'4. One is ok in the passenger seat, even though he's 20st+ and his head touches the roof lining; the other can't get his knees under the dash, even with the seat all the way back.
Would strongly recommend M Sports seats. Again, people are different shapes and sizes, so they won't make a massive difference for everybody, but they definitely do look better and because you're tall the extendable bases will support your legs and stop your lower back getting wrecked on long journeys (even I find this and I'm a shortarse). Speaks volumes that people with £4k cars are still paying £800 for them and then giving away their standard seats for free.
goldbcfc said:
The 2.5si has quite a bit less torque than the 3.0i, but I agree that they're pretty similar in real world performance and mid-miler 2.5si is a decent option for ~£6k. Out of the whole range the 2.5si is probably the one you can "rag" the most and stay safe/legal while having fun. The M is definitely not the same and the 3.0si is nearly a second quicker to 60 than the 2.5si, even though it's hard to tell when you drive them back-to-back. Wouldn't discount a 3.0si high miler though - especially if it's a forum car. E.g. something like this, maybe with a few more on the clock: http://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=92396
Oh, and try and budget to replace runflat tyres if a car has them. If you can find a 3.0i in good condition with worn runflats, then that would be a sweet deal to do if you can keep <£500 aside for new non-runflat tyres. Really does make a massive difference - way more than steering wheels, seats, dash trim, 2.5 vs 3.0 litres etc!
Never heard of a car as transformed in the way that the E85/E86 Z4 is when going from RFTs to non-RFTs. Something to do with the fact that the OEM RFT tyre (Bridgestone RE-something) is rubbish, and the fussy rear geometry and relatively stiff suspension setup just compound the issue. It's pretty cringeworthy to look at old reviews of the Z4 vs the Boxster and see it get trounced on "composure" and for tramlining. It's no Boxster, in that respect, but the gap is much closer once the tyres are changed.
Never heard of a car as transformed in the way that the E85/E86 Z4 is when going from RFTs to non-RFTs. Something to do with the fact that the OEM RFT tyre (Bridgestone RE-something) is rubbish, and the fussy rear geometry and relatively stiff suspension setup just compound the issue. It's pretty cringeworthy to look at old reviews of the Z4 vs the Boxster and see it get trounced on "composure" and for tramlining. It's no Boxster, in that respect, but the gap is much closer once the tyres are changed.
I'd stick to your plan OP and not be swayed by someone blatantly trying to sell you a 2.5Si. Especially a car they have had a matter of months and no longer want. This coupled to their reputation on here, I'd steer well clear. It wasn't that long ago he was telling us his 2.2 was a better than the 3.0 (when he was selling a 2.2!) 
Engine wise M54 has a nicer sound than the later N52 and the 2.5Si is more than half a second slower to 60 than the earlier 3.0, something most people would notice. More torque?!!! Its about 40lbft and 20bhp down on a pre facelift 3.0, again something most would notice.
The N52, although not particularly problematic is a little less reliable than the earlier engines. But the biggest key difference is the cost of parts.
A water pump replacement will set you back circa £500 on a N52, on an M54 is about a fifth of that. The water pumps are a common fix on both engines at 80k plus.
That said your budget can just about get you into a N54 powered 3.0 which is noticeably more powerful than the earlier 3.0. I would definitely look into this as they aren't dissimilar in price to the 2.5.
In the end for most if comes down to a question of budget and can you live with orange indicators!
Engine wise M54 has a nicer sound than the later N52 and the 2.5Si is more than half a second slower to 60 than the earlier 3.0, something most people would notice. More torque?!!! Its about 40lbft and 20bhp down on a pre facelift 3.0, again something most would notice.
The N52, although not particularly problematic is a little less reliable than the earlier engines. But the biggest key difference is the cost of parts.
A water pump replacement will set you back circa £500 on a N52, on an M54 is about a fifth of that. The water pumps are a common fix on both engines at 80k plus.
That said your budget can just about get you into a N54 powered 3.0 which is noticeably more powerful than the earlier 3.0. I would definitely look into this as they aren't dissimilar in price to the 2.5.
In the end for most if comes down to a question of budget and can you live with orange indicators!
MACK said:In the end for most if comes down to a question of budget and can you live with orange indicators!
The doors also make an unbelievable clanging noise. I could never get over that when I was originally looking, even though I know now that it's a relatively simple fix.
MrPT said:MACK said:In the end for most if comes down to a question of budget and can you live with orange indicators!
The doors also make an unbelievable clanging noise. I could never get over that when I was originally looking, even though I know now that it's a relatively simple fix.
That reminds me, must buy sound deadening!
I'd concern yourself with your own life rather than what others do with their cars. Ive been in the motor trade over 12yrs i work for a well known dealer im not some internet guru like yourself. The car sold yesterday to 1st viewer. He'd been looking at 3.0i too so i guess he went for Sport spec over SE after test driving another. To come back the next day and buy mine......MACK said:I'd stick to your plan OP and not be swayed by someone blatantly trying to sell you a 2.5Si. Especially a car they have had a matter of months and no longer want. This coupled to their reputation on here, I'd steer well clear. It wasn't that long ago he was telling us his 2.2 was a better than the 3.0 (when he was selling a 2.2!)
infact if you must know ive been a bmw enthusiast for many years and members on other forums, i go to many shows and my last 8 bmw's ive sold to 1st or 2nd viwers, thats how good they are
LordOxygen said:
I had more room in my Z4 with SE seats i said this in a post as soon as i got another Z4 which had sports seats. I said i prefered the SE seats it felt bigger to me inside. Yes the sport seats are more comfy but there is more room having the flatter SE seat has always been my honest opinion
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Anonymous
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Some interesting (and heated) comments, I've taken note of the information.
I going to search out a tidy 3L manual because that's what I want. I'm very doubtful the deeper sportier seats will offer enough room, I will find out when I sit in one. It would be good to be proved wrong as I'll have more choice of cars. If I do fit I think my initial budget could increase as the face lift 3.0Lsi with red seats look awesome, they seem to be around £7 to £7.5K.
early days and in no rush thankfully,
I going to search out a tidy 3L manual because that's what I want. I'm very doubtful the deeper sportier seats will offer enough room, I will find out when I sit in one. It would be good to be proved wrong as I'll have more choice of cars. If I do fit I think my initial budget could increase as the face lift 3.0Lsi with red seats look awesome, they seem to be around £7 to £7.5K.
early days and in no rush thankfully,
I'd concern yourself with your own life rather than what others do with their cars. Ive been in the motor trade over 12yrs i work for a well known dealer im not some internet guru like yourself. The car sold yesterday to 1st viewer. He'd been looking at 3.0i too so i guess he went for Sport spec over SE after test driving another. To come back the next day and buy mine......goldbcfc said:MACK said:I'd stick to your plan OP and not be swayed by someone blatantly trying to sell you a 2.5Si. Especially a car they have had a matter of months and no longer want. This coupled to their reputation on here, I'd steer well clear. It wasn't that long ago he was telling us his 2.2 was a better than the 3.0 (when he was selling a 2.2!)
infact if you must know ive been a bmw enthusiast for many years and members on other forums, i go to many shows and my last 8 bmw's ive sold to 1st or 2nd viwers, thats how good they are
Don't see anything in your statement that would/does change my advice to the OP and it just reinforces your well earn't poor reputation on here really.
You really do talk some utter sh!te! Brave of you to make bold statements about a buyer considering your history. You must be pretty sure this buyer isn't going to put it up sale a few days later for a grand more than you sold it them for. You know, so you can come crying on here about how you were shafted and how no one should buy it off him! I also see you couldn't resist going back to your pathetic name calling, whatever makes you feel better!
"BMW Guru", I don't recall claiming to be a expert (unlike you do repeatedly). But if I remember correctly your such a fantastic "BMW Guru" you work for er.....................a Volvo Trucks Main Stealers!!!! If you must know I know I'm no expert but do have a degree (not a diploma) in Automotive Engineer as well as some other post graduate qualifications and have over 20 years experience in the industry. Not that any qualifications are relevant here anyway.
But a word of advice, if your going to swing your dick around, at least make sure your dick is the biggest!!!
#Little Man Syndrome!
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Anonymous
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Hahahaha.
Go easy guys, this isnt a good look in newbie thread.
Go easy guys, this isnt a good look in newbie thread.
i gave you my opinion and someone called "Mack" jumped in with theirs.....thats forums for you :thumbsdown:LordOxygen said:
Lord im just giving my honest opinion having owned both 3.0i and 2.5si with regards to performance. The seats you will need to try both, i felt the SE went further back. The shape of the back of the wingback stlye M sport seat is diffferent. Ive had those bucket style in other cars they look great but not alway best very stiff seats too in comparison when you corner. You slide more with the SE but there is more room inside ive had 1 SE and 2 Sport. My mrs prefers the sport seat being a smaller person she didnt like SE seat too much.
I get it now I just realised he owns a 3.0i SE not a SPORT model hahahahaha....just seen your impressive mod list one day i will be able to list as many really impressive list dude. Are you for real ZHP,run flats removed keep em coming did you do the sound gen too FFS
Gheez your life must be so boring...bye
Gheez your life must be so boring...bye
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Anonymous
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Lols to internet forums.
OP -better start by saying I'm freakishly tall at 6'7" and 16 stone - for what it's worth I've had two Z's - my previous one had standard sports seats and my current one has M seats - albeit a "snug" fit there is more than enough room for my frame - getting in and out will always been a spectacle though :lol: As regards seats the M seats hug your bum more and imo look better - as regards engines I did test drive a 2.5 before I went for the 3.0 which really is noticeably quicker with less effort - mine is the earlier model 3.0SE ( 2004 )
Good luck with your search - great cars
Good luck with your search - great cars
You tested the earlier model 2.5i with 190 bhp or the facelift 2.5si with 218bhp?.gov said:as regards engines I did test drive a 2.5 before I went for the 3.0 which really is noticeably quicker with less effort - mine is the earlier model 3.0SE ( 2004 )
Good luck with your search - great cars
The Si had more poewer hence why a 2.5si is on par with a 3.0i SE 231bhp. Id even argue a point that 1/4 mile 2.5si would beat 3.0 SE as the 2.5 is lighter. Its all schoolboy anyway the 3.0si is 267bhp and only 0.3 quicker than the 231bhp one if your into silly stats like that so its all fun and games. Their not cars for straight line speed a 330d will beat you easy 1/4 mile. On the move theres not much in it really all the Z4 ive driven feel fun ad fast. The 2.2 i had was decat/full powerflow stainless so maybe it felt quick to me. Peace :worshipbmw:
goldbcfc said:I get it now I just realised he owns a 3.0i SE not a SPORT model hahahahaha....just seen your impressive mod list one day i will be able to list as many really impressive list dude. Are you for real ZHP,run flats removed keep em coming did you do the sound gen too FFS
Gheez your life must be so boring...bye
I see you edited it your earlier post after my reply, just to once again insult me. I thought you were going....again!
OK, your unimpressed by my mod list. Fair enough!
About as unimpressed everyone is with your excessive posting of multiple but completely irrelevant and pointless track/pod photos that your so clearly immensly proud of! So SAD!!!
How can you be that stupid you don't realize your boring the pants of everyone with crap photos of no relevance whatsoever to the threads you post them in. 
:thumbsdown: Then there's those god awful wheels you put on your last zed that looked so cheap tacky and nasty that they must be the personification of you!
:thumbsdown: "3.0i SE not a SPORT" not sure where your going with this insult, but you seem to have an issue or are looking down your nose at 3.0i SE owners in some way?! Mines got M Sport Seats and an M Sport steering wheel (for what its worth) so again I'm not sure what/where you think its so inferior to a post facelift SPORT?! Nor do I care but if it makes you feel better!
However, if you what to talk about lists.........two 318i's
FFS "skins and rice pudding spring to mind!" :thumbsdown: But you loved it so much you went back for seconds!!! Go on tells us again how 2.2 feel as quick as 3.0.....oh you just did!!!
Like I said earlier if your going to swing your dick around, at least make sure you've packing enough!
#People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones!
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Anonymous
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Probably easier for everyone if I go to plan B and buy an S2000